Wasim Akram has declared Australia the favourites to win the much-anticipated Test series versus India in December-January although he foresees a close contest between the two evenly matched sides. The Test series is scheduled to start on December 17 in Adelaide.

“I think Australia’s fast bowling is the best in the world. They have Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and other top-class bowlers.

“It will be a close contest, but I would say Australia start off as favourites,” the legendary pacer said in an interview on YouTube.

Akram believes the competition would be intense, thanks to India’s strong fast-bowling attack led by the lethal Jasprit Bumrah. “Mohammed Shami, Bumrah, (Navdeep) Saini and others are good,” he said.

Akram also pointed out the confident demeanour of Indian players when they take the field. “The Indian team has got a lot of confidence. Their body language has changed.”